Stan's NoTubes Grail S1
The Stan's NoTubes Grail S1 is engineered specifically for tubeless reliability, with a bead and internal profile that favors fast, repeatable sealing with sealant and easy tire seating—making it a best-in-class pick for riders who want low-maintenance tubeless performance on aluminum rims. It often costs more than bare-bones alloy rims but offers fewer flats and less hands-on maintenance than non-optimized designs like the Velocity A23 or DT Swiss R470, and its tubeless-focused engineering can rival or surpass the UST approach of the Mavic Open Pro UST for everyday sealing reliability. For road riders converting to tubeless for puncture resistance and comfort, the Grail S1 is a technically optimized, long-term value despite a higher upfront price.
Gravel traction — muddy grin
Sealant-friendly bead — Stan's wink
Gravel traction — muddy grin
Sealant-friendly bead — Stan's wink
Review Summary
"Stan's NoTubes Grail S1 is widely praised for effortless tubeless setup, excellent airtightness and a light, compliant ride that performs well on gravel and road. Long-term users report reliable durability and minimal maintenance, making it a market-leading tubeless choice."
Light trail toughness — smile
Designed specifically to improve tubeless sealing and reduce burping
Light trail toughness — smile
Designed specifically to improve tubeless sealing and reduce burping
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Stan's NoTubes Grail S1 is engineered specifically for tubeless reliability, with a bead and internal profile that favors fast, repeatable sealing with sealant and easy tire seating—making it a best-in-class pick for riders who want low-maintenance tubeless performance on aluminum rims. It often costs more than bare-bones alloy rims but offers fewer flats and less hands-on maintenance than non-optimized designs like the Velocity A23 or DT Swiss R470, and its tubeless-focused engineering can rival or surpass the UST approach of the Mavic Open Pro UST for everyday sealing reliability. For road riders converting to tubeless for puncture resistance and comfort, the Grail S1 is a technically optimized, long-term value despite a higher upfront price.
Gravel traction — muddy grin
Sealant-friendly bead — Stan's wink
Light trail toughness — smile
Designed specifically to improve tubeless sealing and reduce burping
Internal shape and bead profile balance airtightness with easy tire installation
Gravel traction — muddy grin
Sealant-friendly bead — Stan's wink
Light trail toughness — smile
Designed specifically to improve tubeless sealing and reduce burping
Internal shape and bead profile balance airtightness with easy tire installation
$220-320 USD
DT Swiss PR 1600 Spline 32 is the market leader for reliable, serviceable aluminum clincher tubeless wheels thanks to the brand's precise manufacturing tolerances and proven hub technology, making it a technical favorite for riders who prioritize longevity and easy maintenance. Compared with the HED and Mavic the DT Swiss strikes a balance of predictable ride quality and a broad aftersales network, typically commanding a premium for its hub design and consistency but delivering that value in long-term durability.
32mm aero balance
Predictable handling
32mm aero balance
Predictable handling
Review Summary
"Owners consistently highlight the PR 1600 Spline 32's Swiss-quality hubs, smooth engagement and versatile 32mm profile that handles climbing and fast flats well; it's praised for reliability and easy tubeless setup. Many comment that it is heavier than carbon alternatives but represents excellent long-term value."
Swiss-hub smile
32mm rim depth balances aero performance and crosswind stability.
Swiss-hub smile
32mm rim depth balances aero performance and crosswind stability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
DT Swiss PR 1600 Spline 32 is the market leader for reliable, serviceable aluminum clincher tubeless wheels thanks to the brand's precise manufacturing tolerances and proven hub technology, making it a technical favorite for riders who prioritize longevity and easy maintenance. Compared with the HED and Mavic the DT Swiss strikes a balance of predictable ride quality and a broad aftersales network, typically commanding a premium for its hub design and consistency but delivering that value in long-term durability.
32mm aero balance
Predictable handling
Swiss-hub smile
32mm rim depth balances aero performance and crosswind stability.
Tubeless-compatible with robust alloy construction ideal for everyday use.
32mm aero balance
Predictable handling
Swiss-hub smile
32mm rim depth balances aero performance and crosswind stability.
Tubeless-compatible with robust alloy construction ideal for everyday use.
$700-900 USD
The Mavic Ksyrium S Disc sits at the premium end of endurance road aluminum clincher tubeless rims, offering a refined rim shaping and quality control that aim to shave grams while preserving durability for long rides. Its higher price reflects tighter tolerances and a more polished finish compared with economy or direct-to-consumer options, but for riders seeking a light-yet-sturdy disc-specific alloy wheelset it can be worth the premium versus heavier yet more economical rims like Velocity. In endurance applications it often delivers a more responsive ride without sacrificing the tubeless reliability required for varied road conditions.
Featherlight feel
Disc-brake confidence
Featherlight feel
Disc-brake confidence
Review Summary
"A market-leading aluminum road wheel offering comfortable ride, consistent braking and durable hubs; reviewers praise its everyday performance while noting it won’t match carbon for weight savings."
All-weather grin
Lightweight alloy construction with tubeless compatibility that keeps rotating weight low for climbs.
All-weather grin
Lightweight alloy construction with tubeless compatibility that keeps rotating weight low for climbs.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Mavic Ksyrium S Disc sits at the premium end of endurance road aluminum clincher tubeless rims, offering a refined rim shaping and quality control that aim to shave grams while preserving durability for long rides. Its higher price reflects tighter tolerances and a more polished finish compared with economy or direct-to-consumer options, but for riders seeking a light-yet-sturdy disc-specific alloy wheelset it can be worth the premium versus heavier yet more economical rims like Velocity. In endurance applications it often delivers a more responsive ride without sacrificing the tubeless reliability required for varied road conditions.
Featherlight feel
Disc-brake confidence
All-weather grin
Lightweight alloy construction with tubeless compatibility that keeps rotating weight low for climbs.
Low-profile rim geometry that preserves nimble handling for endurance and sportive riding.
Featherlight feel
Disc-brake confidence
All-weather grin
Lightweight alloy construction with tubeless compatibility that keeps rotating weight low for climbs.
Low-profile rim geometry that preserves nimble handling for endurance and sportive riding.
$1,000-1,400 USD
The Emporia GA Performance is a performance-oriented aluminum tubeless rim that emphasizes stiffness-to-weight and aerodynamic shaping for fast gravel riding and mixed-surface racing. It stands out against the list for its race-focused tuning—offering sharper handling and a lighter rim edge than more utility-driven choices like Hunt or DT Swiss—though that specialist focus can come at a premium and slightly narrower dealer footprint. Compared with the Mavic Allroad SL and Stan's Grail CB7 it trades some everyday durability and tubeless-specific sealing tricks for a tighter, speed-biased ride.
Aero-savvy rim
Balanced comfort
Aero-savvy rim
Balanced comfort
Review Summary
"Riders like the HED Emporia GA Performance for its stiff, stable handling and tubeless-ready bead that performs well on mixed surfaces. Some buyers note it's pricier than comparable alloy options but appreciate the build quality."
Emporia wink
Wider gravel-focused internal profile that supports modern larger-volume tyres.
Emporia wink
Wider gravel-focused internal profile that supports modern larger-volume tyres.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Emporia GA Performance is a performance-oriented aluminum tubeless rim that emphasizes stiffness-to-weight and aerodynamic shaping for fast gravel riding and mixed-surface racing. It stands out against the list for its race-focused tuning—offering sharper handling and a lighter rim edge than more utility-driven choices like Hunt or DT Swiss—though that specialist focus can come at a premium and slightly narrower dealer footprint. Compared with the Mavic Allroad SL and Stan's Grail CB7 it trades some everyday durability and tubeless-specific sealing tricks for a tighter, speed-biased ride.
Aero-savvy rim
Balanced comfort
Emporia wink
Wider gravel-focused internal profile that supports modern larger-volume tyres.
Tubeless-ready bead design for easy seating and confident air retention.
Aero-savvy rim
Balanced comfort
Emporia wink
Wider gravel-focused internal profile that supports modern larger-volume tyres.
Tubeless-ready bead design for easy seating and confident air retention.
$1000-1400 USD
Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4
The Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4 stands out as a best-in-class aluminum tubeless rim for cross-country use thanks to its light-but-strong single-wall design and a bead profile engineered for secure tubeless seating and easy maintenance. It undercuts premium-weight rivals on price while offering exceptional puncture resistance and rim-stick compatibility, making it the go-to practical choice for riders who want near-pro performance without the DT Swiss-level premium cost.
Tubeless-ready charm
Seal-master magic
Tubeless-ready charm
Seal-master magic
Review Summary
"Riders report the Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4 is a very reliable, lightweight alloy tubeless rim with excellent bead retention and easy setup; some note it’s not the stiffest option but offers outstanding value and durability for long-term use. Most owners find it dependable for XC and light trail use."
Low-maintenance grin
Aluminum tubeless‑ready clincher designed for easy tire seating and reliable air retention.
Low-maintenance grin
Aluminum tubeless‑ready clincher designed for easy tire seating and reliable air retention.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4 stands out as a best-in-class aluminum tubeless rim for cross-country use thanks to its light-but-strong single-wall design and a bead profile engineered for secure tubeless seating and easy maintenance. It undercuts premium-weight rivals on price while offering exceptional puncture resistance and rim-stick compatibility, making it the go-to practical choice for riders who want near-pro performance without the DT Swiss-level premium cost.
Tubeless-ready charm
Seal-master magic
Low-maintenance grin
Aluminum tubeless‑ready clincher designed for easy tire seating and reliable air retention.
Wide internal rim bed improves tire profile and allows lower pressures for better traction.
Tubeless-ready charm
Seal-master magic
Low-maintenance grin
Aluminum tubeless‑ready clincher designed for easy tire seating and reliable air retention.
Wide internal rim bed improves tire profile and allows lower pressures for better traction.
$180-260 USD
Stan's NoTubes Flow EX3
The Stan's NoTubes Flow EX3 emphasizes tubeless performance and tire seating with Stan's proven bead geometry and sealed rim-bed technology, making it a top pick for riders who prioritize airtight setup and easy maintenance on trail and enduro rigs. Compared to the more budget-oriented WTB KOM Tough i30 and the heavier, damping-focused Spank Vibrocore, the Flow EX3 sits between premium tubeless reliability and enduro-grade toughness, often saving riders time and expense on sealant top-ups and reseating issues.
Impact-taming ride
Seamless tubeless setup
Impact-taming ride
Seamless tubeless setup
Review Summary
"Stan’s NoTubes Flow EX3 is consistently commended for near-bulletproof durability, outstanding tubeless sealing and a stout spoke bed for aggressive enduro and e‑MTB riding; it’s heavier than race-focused rims but highly reliable."
Bead-hold wizard
Aluminum tubeless-specific rim bed designed to improve bead hold and reduce pinch flats.
Bead-hold wizard
Aluminum tubeless-specific rim bed designed to improve bead hold and reduce pinch flats.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Stan's NoTubes Flow EX3 emphasizes tubeless performance and tire seating with Stan's proven bead geometry and sealed rim-bed technology, making it a top pick for riders who prioritize airtight setup and easy maintenance on trail and enduro rigs. Compared to the more budget-oriented WTB KOM Tough i30 and the heavier, damping-focused Spank Vibrocore, the Flow EX3 sits between premium tubeless reliability and enduro-grade toughness, often saving riders time and expense on sealant top-ups and reseating issues.
Impact-taming ride
Seamless tubeless setup
Bead-hold wizard
Aluminum tubeless-specific rim bed designed to improve bead hold and reduce pinch flats.
Reinforced sidewalls for added resilience on rough trail and enduro terrain.
Impact-taming ride
Seamless tubeless setup
Bead-hold wizard
Aluminum tubeless-specific rim bed designed to improve bead hold and reduce pinch flats.
Reinforced sidewalls for added resilience on rough trail and enduro terrain.
$250-350 USD
WTB KOM Tough i30 balances durability and weight with tubeless-optimized bead geometry and a reputation for reliable bead retention, making it a strong mid-market choice for e-bike aluminum clincher tubeless rims. It offers many of the technical protections riders want for e-bike use at a lower price point than DT Swiss, while providing better bead security and modern profile design than the most budget-focused rims on the list.
30mm internal width — trail-grippy
KOM-tough alloy — rock-defiant
30mm internal width — trail-grippy
KOM-tough alloy — rock-defiant
Review Summary
"The WTB KOM Tough i30 is frequently praised for offering good strength, reliable tubeless sealing and strong value, though some users say it’s less stiff than pricier e‑bike specific rims for very heavy riders. It’s popular for durable trail use and lighter e‑bike builds."
Bead-lock ready — burp-resistant
30mm internal width (i30) tuned for modern trail and e‑MTB tire sizes and support.
Bead-lock ready — burp-resistant
30mm internal width (i30) tuned for modern trail and e‑MTB tire sizes and support.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
WTB KOM Tough i30 balances durability and weight with tubeless-optimized bead geometry and a reputation for reliable bead retention, making it a strong mid-market choice for e-bike aluminum clincher tubeless rims. It offers many of the technical protections riders want for e-bike use at a lower price point than DT Swiss, while providing better bead security and modern profile design than the most budget-focused rims on the list.
30mm internal width — trail-grippy
KOM-tough alloy — rock-defiant
Bead-lock ready — burp-resistant
30mm internal width (i30) tuned for modern trail and e‑MTB tire sizes and support.
Tough alloy construction and reinforced spoke bed for impact resistance and long life.
30mm internal width — trail-grippy
KOM-tough alloy — rock-defiant
Bead-lock ready — burp-resistant
30mm internal width (i30) tuned for modern trail and e‑MTB tire sizes and support.
Tough alloy construction and reinforced spoke bed for impact resistance and long life.
$140-220 USD